Nothing’s more expensive than a free cat

Charlie swallowed a $3,600 corn cob. Well, that’s about how much it cost to remove the corn cob from the Komondor puppy’s belly.

Luckily, his owner, Les Kaciban of Ashburn, Va., only paid about $1,000 out-of-pocket for the procedure. Kaciban’s policy with Pets Best Insurance covered the difference.

As veterinary expenses continue to mount, more pet insurance companies have emerged to help “pet parents” budget for unexpected emergencies — such as Charlie’s surgery — as well as routine care. Between regular check-ups and surgeries, most dog or cat owners racked up about $650 in vet bills last year, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Association.